An Exeter gem: Celebrating American independence

EDITORIALMay 01. 2014 11:49PMThe rebirth of the American Independence Museum in Exeter is one of the great New Hampshire non-profit stories in recent memory. Shuttered in 2012 for lack of resources, the museum holds its grand reopening celebration on Saturday. It is a worthy cause for celebration.

The American Independence Museum is not a replica historical building filled with replica artifacts. It is the real thing.

The museum is housed in an 18th century Exeter home and next-door tavern, where New Hampshire patriots plotted Revolutionary War activities.

The gem of the museum’s collection is an original copy of the Declaration of Independence. The collection also holds early drafts of the U.S. Constitution.

This little museum in Exeter is one of America’s dwindling number of places where Americans can connect directly with the founding generation.

New Hampshire is fortunate to have such a special place. Don’t take it for granted, or it might lock its doors again, next time for good.